Three pupils tied up and whipped a black pupil in a 'mock slave auction', it has been claimed.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident which took place at a Bath secondary school during a lunch break.

The board of governors told the Bath Chronicle it will not expel the three pupils involved.

The Chronicle understands at least seven white teenagers chained a fellow pupil to a lamppost and whipped him with sticks, calling him extreme racist names harking back to the slave trade.

The secondary school, which the Chronicle has chosen not to name to protect the victim’s identity, says it “thoroughly investigated” what it described as “an incident” in January and that it took action “in line with statutory procedures”.

The Chronicle then reports all the alleged perpetrators were temporarily suspended and are back at school – alongside the victim. Three of the alleged perpetrators were originally expelled by the headteacher, but were allowed to return when the board of governors overturned the original decision.

The school said it sent the following message to all parents and staff yesterday morning: "We have today become aware of media interest in an incident which took place in January and involved a group of established friends and related to a single incident of unacceptable behaviour within the school grounds.

“A full investigation was instigated in line with both internal school procedures and Department of Education requirements, including contact with the police.

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“You can be assured that the school has taken this incident exceptionally seriously and that our absolute priority was, and remains, that the right path is taken for all those involved as well as the wider school community.

“Given the on-going police investigation and the need to protect all those involved, you will understand that it has been necessary to maintain confidentiality and consequently that the school does not wish to comment further."

A police spokesman said: “We were made aware of an incident at [name of school], Bath, on January 22, which took place around lunchtime.

“Enquiries are ongoing and the school is assisting.

“Six boys have voluntarily attended a police station and another has agreed to voluntarily attend.”